After completing his studies in Rome (1892–99), he taught philosophy (1899–1907), then dogmatics and apologetics at the Seminary of Fulda, of which he was named rector in 1907. Cofounder and director of the journal *Philosophisches Jahrbuch*, in 1921 he was appointed bishop of the reconstituted Diocese of Meissen, where he carried out extensive activity, establishing the complex organization of the diocese while also lecturing at the University of Leipzig and revitalizing the faith of Catholics in the “diaspora” through annual solemn gatherings. Apostolic Administrator of Berlin in 1929, the following year he became its bishop.
A man of action and of profound learning, dignified yet approachable, he possessed an acute awareness of the needs of the moment, of the appropriate means, and above all a sense of organization suited to the demands of the new times. His numerous works include: *Christentum und Naturwissenschaft* (1902); *Die Schulaufsichtsfrage* (1910); *Die Weltkrieg und die Vorsehung Gottes* (1915); *Kant und die Gottesbeweise* (1922); *Wallfahrten durch deutsche Land* (1928).